British Judo Association President George Kerr is to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest awards, in recognition of his contribution to the sport and to British-Japanese relations.

"I'm thrilled to bits, it's quite an honour," he said.

"I think I'm the first judo player in Great Britain to receive this sort of thing, so it's really nice.

"It's been a brilliant year.

It's blown me away.

"The whole thing's been like a fairytale."

Kerr, from Edinburgh, will be presented with his award, the Order of the Rising Sun-Gold Rays with Rosette, in January, at the home of Japanese consul-general Masataka Tarahara in the Scottish capital.

United States actor-director Clint Eastwood, known for his tough guy roles, is also in the order.

"I was quite pleased that one of my heroes, Clint Eastwood, has got it as well," said Kerr.

"He does portray the kind of values that I stand for."

Tarahara said the award was well merited.

"He is the most deserving recipient whose contribution to the promotion of judo over many decades has been outstanding," he said.

"He has also contributed enormously to cultural exchange between Japan and Scotland, and done much to increase mutual understanding."

Kerr, dubbed "Mr Judo", was recently given the 10th Dan, the sport's highest rank, which is held by very few people.

It was given for his lifetime contribution to the sport as a competitor, coach, referee and administrator.


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